By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—To mark the occasion of the second annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, members of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) took part in a variety of activities to celebrate Indigenous culture and remember those lost to Canada’s residential school system.
Georgia Laforme, Communications and Engagement Lead for MCFN, said that the event held at their location on Mississauga Road in Hagersville was well attended and well received by all involved, “especially from our youth.”
Participants took part in games, bouncy castles, drumming and dancing displays, food, giveaways, and a candlelit vigil.
Laforme thanked event organizers Caitlin Laforme and Jai King-Green of MCFN’s Events and Culture Unit, stating, “They did the hard work.”
On the striking image of two hearts coming together, created by the participants, Laforme explained, “We had planned to do a group photo around the baseball diamond, so we had a heart outline drawn for everyone to stand around. We got the youth who attended the event to stand in the middle and make their own little heart.”
In addition to the Hagersville event, members of MCFN travelled to take part in an event in Mississauga that drew over 5,000 students to the Paramount Centre.
“There we re incredible speakers and performers, including our own Gimaa Stacey Laforme, Manitou Mkwa Singers, and Mr. SAUGA,” said Laforme.
She continued, “It was a really meaningful event put on by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the City of Mississauga. As well, Gimaa and Members of Council had speaking engagements around the City of Toronto.”
Laforme said the event in Mississauga was great because of the variety of speakers: “From survivors, to elders, to youth. I think the most important thing is to just listen with an open mind and actually take the time to learn, reach out to your local communities, and go beyond just reading the land acknowledgement.”
